Capecitabine and Its Side Effects

Capecitabine, also is known as Xeloda, is a chemotherapy drug which is used for treating various types of cancer such as breast, stomach, rectal, colon, esophageal and pancreatic cancers. Just like other chemotherapy drugs, Capecitabine can cause some side effects. Where some of the Capecitabine side effects can be serious; thus, it is important to read the detailed information about the side effects.

Common Capecitabine Side Effects

Each of these side effects usually happens in about 1 out of 10 people. Tiredness and weakness (fatigue) - Tiredness & weakness or feeling fatigue mostly likely happens during and after the treatment — some gentle physical exercises everyday help in maintaining your energy. But don't push yourself too much.

Loss of appetite

There are a lot of reasons during cancer treatment because of which there might be a loss of appetite. Sickness, changes in taste buds or tiredness can keep you off food and drinks.

Diarrhea

Having four loose motions in a day is considered as diarrhea. You should consult your doctor immediately if you have diarrhea. It is advisable to eat less fiber during the problem, avoid raw fruits & juice, avoid cereals and vegetables and drink plenty of liquid to replace the loss of fluid in your body.

Mouth sores or ulcers

Mouth sores or ulcers can be quite painful. You should keep your teeth and mouth clean; avoid acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, etc.; drink plenty of fluids; chew gum to keep your mouth moist.

Dizziness

Feeling sick or dizziness can be severe. You may start feeling it right after the treatment, and it may last for a few days. The doctor usually gives anti-sickness injections and tablets to control it. Thus, talk to your health provider straight away if you feel sick for more than once in a day.

Soreness, redness or peeling on palms and soles of feet

The skin on your hands and feet may get sore, red, or might start peeling. You may also experience a tingling sensation, numbness, pain or dryness. This is generally termed as a hand-foot syndrome or palmar-plantar syndrome.

Occasional Side Effects

Each of these capecitabine side effects happens in about 1 out of 100 people. Low levels of white blood cells in your blood which can increase your risk of getting an infection

• Low levels of red blood cells(anemia); this can cause breathlessness and make you look pale
• Eye infections like watery eyes and redness (conjunctivitis)
• Loss of hair, though they usually grow back after the chemotherapy is finished
• Problems with skin and nail such as rashes, dry skin, itching or brittle nails
• Pain in joints, legs, arms, and back
• Constipation
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Fever
• An allergic reaction which can cause rashes, shortness of breath, redness or swelling of the face

Rare Side Effects

Each of these side effects happens in less than 1 in 100 people (1%).

• A drop in the platelet count; this can lead to bruising, bleeding gums or bleeding of nose
• Changes in your heart functioning which can cause changes in your heart rhythm and swelling of ankles
• Skin is sensitive to the sunlight
• Numbness or tingling sensation in fingers and toes
• Clotting of blood in the deep veins
• Severe skin reaction that might start from tender red patches further leading to peeling or blistering of the skin. You may also feel feverish, and your eyes might get more sensitive towards the light.

It is important to be cautious about any of these side effects. Thus it advised to immediately talk to your doctor whenever you feel any of these side effects of Capecitabine.